Chick’n Lentil Curry

Like many cooks, I’ve collected a decent number of cookbooks over the years. And when I went vegan, most of those cookbooks — meant for an omnivore’s palate– began to taunt me with their uselessness.Thick compilations of antique recipes picked up at yard sales– recipes stirred up by 1920s housewives in their own kitchens or passed down by their moms, generously donated for the church benefit. Classics like Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cuisine. Modern time-savers like Mark Bittman’s How to Cook Everything and Rachel Ray’s 30-Minute Meals. And just ones I had relied on each day in my kitchen, first as a novice and then as a more experienced cook, like the incredible Joy of Cooking.

If you’ve read my blog for any length of time, you know I hate waste. Just as much as I hate giving away a cookbook. And there was a good reason I bought some of these cookbooks and kept them– the great recipes they offered. So instead of just letting go of my modestly impressive collection I learned, over time, to put them to good use: by veganizing them.

It didn’t always work. When I tried making beignets from the Joy, the dough fell apart in the frying pan, the egg replacer I used just not strong enough to make up for the egg it replaced. Another time I naively (read stupidly) tried to substitute tofu in an angel food cake and ended up with a moist, dense, albeit delicious slab that didn’t rise but one inch and didn’t taste anything like an angel food cake.

Lucky for me, there were more successes than failures. While baked goods can be the most challenging to adapt, I’ve been able to veganize a kitchenload of baked goodies — especially ones that I’ve adapted from Joy— that I’ve shared with you over the years on this blog, including my Whole-Wheat Challah Bread and my Scottish Shortbread.

The stews and curries– the cooked goods– were far easier. While I usually use vegetables to replace meat in most dishes, the easy availability of meat substitutes doesn’t hurt.

I used to love this stew because not only is it delicious, but having grown up in a home where meat was never combined with lentils into a single dish, the whole concept of throwing these two protein powerhouses together seemed both enthralling and enticing. In fact, the only Indian dish I can think of even today, which combines meat and lentils, is the delicious Dhansaak– a dish from the Parsi community.

To replace the chicken in my stew I used vegan chik’n strips which did a good job and held their own in the curry, although they did get a little softer than I’d have liked them to be. Next time I might try adding them later in the cooking process so they don’t stew as long with the lentils.

The spices are what really make this dish work. They flavor the chick’n and the dal subtly yet assertively. I love this with some rice.

If you’d rather not use a meat substitute, go ahead and use a vegetable instead. Potatoes, mushrooms or even eggplant would be great in this.

Add the chick'n strips (halve them lengthwise if you'd like smaller pieces, as I do). Stir fry until they start to brown.

Add the mushrooms, stir well.

Add the powdered spices and ginger and garlic and stir-fry about a minute.

Add the cooked lentils with any cooking liquid. You want a fairly loose but not watery gravy. Add water if needed. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat to low, and simmer for about 10 minutes. Add salt to taste.

Garnish with chopped coriander. Enjoy!

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Tripawed Tails

Some of you might’ve wondered why I’ve been missing these past couple of weeks. Others have wondered what’s up with Lucy. So here’s a quick update:

Lucy did fine after her first chemo session, but some complications arose after the second session and her front right leg swelled up pretty badly. It was painful, and given that she has only three legs now, having one more leg put out of circulation pretty much meant she couldn’t get around. We’ve spent a lot of time in hospitals and she’s been on painkillers and antibiotics, but on the positive side she seems to be doing a little better now.

Our darling Freddie, meanwhile, came down with a very upset stomach last week and at his age upset stomachs — trivial though they may seem– are enough to take the wind out of him. Monday morning he gave Desi and me a huge scare when he wouldn’t move out of bed or do anything at all. But — I’m happy to say– he’s on the road to recovery as well, and was walking around looking for treats this morning which tells me things are pretty much getting back to normal.

I was trying to upload some pictures of Lucy and Freddie, but Blogger won’t cooperate, for some reason. Arrgh…!

Don’t give up though – I’ll be back soon with pictures :). And for those who missed me, thanks, you make my world a better place 🙂

I was wondering if Lucy was in trouble again … did not feel like disturbing with mails … good to see you back Vaishali. Hope Lucy feels better soon and so does Freddie.I did a double take seeing the post title … then thought it might be chick peas. 🙂But the curry sounds wholesome and good. 🙂Take care.

I have been away too – travelling on work and then vacation, ,missed your posts and came rushing back here as soon as things settled down.

Sorry to hear about all the illnesses at home 🙁 Get well hugs from me.

I can imagine not being able to let cookbooks go – they are so dear to me! this is a lovely adaptation of the chicken and lentil dish – I have never had this combo before too. Regional cuisine or unique home cooking habits is the subject of my latest post and how we can preserve it – you seem to be doing exactly that by your own process of evolution!

Good to see you back on the pavilion.Loved your chick curry.BTW did you get those strips in the frozen section.Morning star brand I remember crossing them in the frozen aisles.Love to hear Freddie and Lucy are getting better.Sending positive vibes on your way.